The Mystical Folk Music of Forseti

Forseti was a dark folk / apocalyptic folk crossover of German musician Andreas Ritter from the city of Jena. For studio recordings and live performances, he is supported by other musicians. Forseti is the Norse god of justice, peace, and truth. The band Forseti was conceived in 1997 when Ritter bought his first acoustic guitar, though he made music beforehand.

“In 1997 I bought my first guitar and discovered my love of acoustic music. By then it was clear to me that Forseti would never use electronic instruments, neither in the studio nor on stage. A purely acoustic arrangement produces much more warmth and emotion. […] Closer to my real aim is that the music encourages people to develop a feel for nature or natural things, and encourages us to view ourselves as an integral part of the natural world.”

Ritter is reported to have suffered a heart attack in May 2005, causing him to lose some bodily functions and inflicting brain damage. This provoked the release of a collaborative album entitled Forseti lebt (Forseti Lives) in 2006, in support of the musician. Participating artists were Sonne Hagal, Sonnentau, B’eirth (In Gowan Ring), Of the Wand and the Moon, Death in June, Waldteufel, Lux Interna, Northman, Fire + Ice, Darkwood, and Primus Inter Pares.